Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the current state and challenges of music variety shows in China, highlighting the shift from music-centric programming to a focus on entertainment and celebrity culture, which has led to a dilution of musical quality and authenticity [5][17][19]. Group 1: Historical Context and Evolution - Music variety shows were once a milestone in Chinese entertainment, igniting a wave of diverse aesthetics and youth culture, with shows like "Super Girl" and "Happy Boys" introducing new talent to the public [10][11]. - The rise of "The Voice of China" from 2005 to 2016 marked a golden decade for variety shows, generating significant revenue for its production company, with the first season's sponsorship fees reaching 60 million [11][12]. - The music variety show landscape has evolved, with a notable shift in focus from music to entertainment, particularly after 2018, when reality show elements became more prominent [13][14]. Group 2: Current Challenges and Market Dynamics - The current music variety show format is facing challenges due to homogenization and a lack of diverse exposure channels, leading to a divide in audience preferences and music appreciation [19][20]. - The article notes that the music industry in China is still heavily reliant on platforms like Douyin and music variety shows for exposure, which limits the diversity of musical expression [19][20]. - Despite the challenges, the Chinese music market remains lucrative, with the total revenue from the live performance market projected to reach 79.63 billion yuan in 2024, indicating a strong consumer base [26][28]. Group 3: Commercialization and Future Outlook - Music variety shows have a unique commercial advantage due to their ability to integrate brand sponsorships effectively, particularly in fast-moving consumer goods [29][30]. - However, the article raises concerns about the sustainability of this model, as evidenced by the viewership ratings of "Running Man" surpassing "Singer 2025," suggesting that the appeal of music variety shows may be waning [32]. - The article concludes by questioning how long the current commercial success of music variety shows can last, emphasizing the need for the industry to rethink its approach to avoid ineffective competition and ensure long-term viability [32].

Group 1 - The latest episode of "Singer 2025" featured singer San Yichun performing a new version of "Li Bai," securing second place, with the song humorously dubbed a new "forbidden song" for college entrance exams due to its catchy yet challenging lyrics [1] - Despite the popularity of "Singer 2025," it failed to outperform "Running Man" Season 9, which achieved a peak rating of 0.87 and an average rating of 0.74, indicating a competitive landscape in the variety show sector [3][60] - The current environment for music variety shows is marked by challenges such as frequent lip-syncing controversies, the dominance of TikTok songs, and a lack of quality music productions, leading to a decline in the genre's appeal [7][10] Group 2 - The success of "Singer 2024" was seen as a response to the perceived lack of professionalism among contestants, with live performances being viewed as a measure of a "professional singer's" worth [8] - The music variety show landscape has evolved, with a shift from focusing on music to prioritizing entertainment value, particularly after the introduction of reality show elements in 2018 [22][23] - The rise of music variety shows has been influenced by the need to cater to audience emotions and the increasing commercialization of the format, with brands finding value in product placements within these shows [52][60] Group 3 - The Chinese music market remains robust, with the overall revenue from the national performance market reaching 796.29 billion yuan in 2024, including ticket sales of 579.54 billion yuan [43] - The K-pop industry is increasingly targeting the Chinese market, with significant album exports and promotional events indicating a strategic push to capture a larger share of the audience [49][50] - The competitive nature of the music variety show market is underscored by the need for shows to innovate and differentiate themselves to maintain viewer interest and commercial viability [61]